From vine to glass
The Ile d'Oléron can be proud of its vineyards. It has been awarded the Vignobles et Découvertes label, making the area one of France's most prestigious wine tourism destinations.
An area awarded the Vignobles et Découvertes label
Winegrowing is the oldest traditional activity in the Marennes-Oléron region. First appearing at the end of the 3rd century, it really took off following the great forest clearings of the 11th and 12th centuries. Along with the salt trade, it was the leading activity on theisland of Oleron. At the end of the 19th century, the arrival of phylloxera unfortunately decimated almost all the vines. Ruined, the bourgeois estates were bought up in part by former winegrowers. This led to a major fragmentation of estates and the creation of cooperative wineries, of which there were as many as five on the island of Oléron.
Did you know?Today, Oleron's vineyards cover some 800 hectares. The cooperative cellar groups together 15 winegrowers. 9 independent winegrowers market their production directly. All produce pineau, vins de pays, cognac and liqueurs.
Oleron's vineyards now cover some 800 hectares, most of them in the north of the island where the soil is more favorable. Producers are committed to a quality approach that has led to the creation of theVin de Pays Charentais-île d'Oléron appellation in 1999. Made from a variety of grape varieties (sauvignon, colombard and chardonnay for white wines; cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot for reds and rosés; chardonnay for sparkling wines), the wines are a perfect match for the island's flavors.
Theinevitable pineau, with its sweet taste, should be drunk chilled and is ideal for aperitifs. Note that the island of Oléron is also part of the Cognac appellation zone, whose crus are classified as "bois ordinaires" (distinctive terroir taste, fruity aromas, rapid maturation).
If you're curious about this history, or about the particularities of an island vineyard, its working methods and the great diversity of its terroirs, which give the wines all their originality, come and meet our winegrowers, push open the door of their winery... and let yourself be charmed in all simplicity. To find out more, visit the Vignobles & Découvertes label website for the Ile d'Oléron: www.vignoble-ile-oleron.fr or download the 2024 booklet: "Vignobles de l'île d'Oléron, terroir insulaire".
* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.